The Festival of Place 2022

The Festival of Place works all year round to create a space that promotes better urban design and environmental practices. Bringing in leading academics and architectural practices, the Festival offers a platform where ideas and experience can be shared with the public. 

While their online platform functions all year, the festival proper is set to take place on 6th July, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM GMT at BOXPARK Wembley. The event will bring together some of the greatest minds in sustainable urban design and is aimed at all those interested in creating community-oriented places - from the physical urban environment to online platforms.

Our series, Concise Guides to Planning, tackles many aspects of urban planning and the idea of spaces that are designed for a healthier society. You can find all the books available in this series HERE, and below we have highlighted some titles that chime particularly well with the aims of the Festival of Place!

Planning and Participation  by Dr. Paul O’Hare looks into the partnership between planner and community and poses an important question: why should the public be involved? O’Hare’s book explores this concept thoroughly through contemporary and historical case studies that outline the importance of shaping public planning projects around those who are directly impacted. The obstacles and challenges facing contemporary planners are identified and assessed in a straightforward manner that is aimed at both practitioners and the public wanting to take an active part in the community.    

Healthy Cities? by Professor Tim Townshend looks at how design can affect the physical, mental and social health of the community and what the challenges are in designing spaces and environments that positively impact the lives of those who use them. This well-researched book provides effective examples of work that can be done to benefit communities and improve lived-in places.

Neighbourhood Planning in Practice  edited by Gavin Parker, Kat Salter and Matthew Wargent outlines what communities have achieved through direct participation since urban planning has grown to involve community input through the Localism Act of 2011. The book explores the process of Neighbourhood Planning and strives to further the knowledge of those already involved, as well as community members looking to make their first steps into becoming involved.